Regulations

Philadelphia Operators Consider State TNC Bill

KING OF PRUSSIA, Penn. — A bill before the Pennsylvania Senate that would regulate transportation network companies was the lead topic at the April 8 monthly meeting of the Philadelphia Regional Limousine Association.

James Shantz, a legislative aide to state Sen. Lisa Boscola (18th District-Northampton County), summarized key points of the legislation (House Bill 447 Ridesharing) that attempts to consolidate language in some previous bills that address a wide range of concerns and issues regarding TNCs.

The bill proposes more stricter regulations of TNC drivers. They must be 21 years old and take part in a driver training program and criminal background check, and must alert their insurance company that their vehicles are being used for TNC services. In addition, TNC vehicles must follow state standards that allow vehicles to be used that are 10 years old or less with no more than 350,000 miles.

The bill also would require an annual safety inspection before a TNC vehicle can operate. A TNC also would have to prove basic liability insurance and third-party insurance of no less than $1million when the vehicle operates under a TNC.

PRLA President Steve Rhoads (Rhoads Limousine Service, Douglasville), said the board is reviewing the bill but mentioned issues legislators must address regarding TNCs not paying certain business taxes that apply to private transportation.

Operators Douglas Schwartz of the Long Island Transportation Association and Kevin Barwell of the Limousine Bus Taxi Operators of Upstate New York went to Albany, N.Y. on Jan. 30, 2019 to speak before the Joint Legislative Public Hearing on the 2019-2020 Executive Budget to oppose a proposal to ban modified stretch limousines in the state of New York.

The world's No. 1 online marketplace and trader for professional chauffeured and chartered vehicles, including all types of motorcoaches, buses, vans, stretch limousines, sedans, SUVs, exotics, and classics. New and used vehicles are available from sellers across the nation.